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March 23, 2006
2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX vs 2006 Subaru WRX STIIntroduction
Forget about the rear-drive V8 renaissance happening on the domestic front. Forget about the pedigreed sport sedans coming out of Germany. If you want the most performance $35,000 can buy, the only cars you need to drive are the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX and 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
These scrappy ex-economy sedans may not look upscale or retro, hell, they don’t even look that expensive, but they’re fast. Brutally fast. And they’ll out-handle any upscale, retro-styled sports car you can name.
You see, underneath that semi-juvenile, boy racer bodywork are sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, rally-spec running gear and turbocharged four-cylinders that make tremendous power. Performance is so densely packed into these cars that they begin to rewire the driver’s brain. You drive faster. You take more risks. You howl like a demented chimp when people scoff at your F1-size spoiler. And, you love every minute of it.
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Two years ago we tested these rivals, and the faster Evo came away the winner. For 2006, however, both cars received a short but significant list of mechanical changes so we thought we would give the WRX STI a rematch.
Evo vs. STI, part two
The Apex Silver ‘06 Lancer Evolution in this test is a base IX model, which falls between the top-line MR and the stripped RS in the Evolution lineup. Our test car had the $3,120 Sun, Sound and Leather Package, which provides a sunroof, an excellent 315-watt Infinity sound system, mediocre leather upholstery and HID headlights. It also balloons the sticker price from shy of $32 grand to $35,114. Given the choice, we would have taken the HIDs and left the rest.
Subaru sent over a more sensibly equipped WR Blue Pearl ‘06 WRX STI with gold-painted BBS wheels, no options and a total price of $32,995. Despite the $2,000 disparity, the cars are equipped with almost identical hardware. Each is fitted with three limited-slip differentials, 17-inch wheels and tires, and four ventilated Brembo brake discs. ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution were also standard on both, and the WRX STI provided HIDs at no extra charge.
However, the most impressive bit of standard equipment is under their aluminum hoods. On the Evo, that hood conceals a turbocharged, double-overhead-cam, 2.0-liter inline four that makes 286 hp at 6,500 rpm and 289 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, amazing numbers for an engine displacing fewer liters than your daily coffee intake. It hooks up to a five-speed manual gearbox.
Working from an extra half-liter of displacement, the Subie’s turbocharged, DOHC, horizontally opposed four-cylinder cooks up a cool 300 hp at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s matched with a six-speed manual.
Even though Subaru doesn’t offer a leather or sunroof option, inside, the WRX STI is the better equipped of the rivals. Our STI tester included amenities like front-seat side airbags, automatic climate control, cruise control and an in-dash CD changer, none of which is even offered on the Evo.
No rest
The cars showed up just in time for a holiday weekend.
No problem.
We handed off the keys to two editors for a late-night run from L.A. to San Jose. Once there, they ditched the relatives and headed straight for the Santa Cruz Mountains, where secreted away amongst the redwood groves, pinot vineyards and expensive homes are some of the best driving roads Northern California has to offer. These two-laners are damp, narrow and riddled with sharp curves. In other words, they’re perfect for testing a couple of rally cars like the Evo and STI.
After a couple of days of terrorizing this mountain utopia, they switched cars and made a few more runs up Skyline Boulevard, a road the locals know as the back way to San Francisco. It’s two-lane blacktop, sometimes with a center line, sometimes not, with steep grades aplenty.
The next morning the real work began back in L.A. We took the STI and Evo to the track where we put them through a full battery of acceleration, braking, slalom and skid-pad tests. There was a lot at stake: These numbers counted for 30 percent of the final score.
Choose a hero
Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution IX and Subaru’s Impreza WRX STI are as closely matched as any two rivals have a right to be. Buy either one of these turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedans and you’re getting one of the very best performance bargains out there.
However, the manic Evo is still the more refined and capable performance machine. It’s faster, turns in significantly better handling numbers and supplies its driver with more feedback. A lot more feedback. Plus, if you drop our test car’s extraneous Sun, Sound and Leather Package, the Evolution IX costs $1,000 less than the STI. And don’t forget that Mitsubishi is currently throwing in free scheduled maintenance for three years/45,000 miles.
Although the STI offers a smidge more comfort and equipment, the Evo is the one to get if you want the most fun per hard-earned dollar.
First Place: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Your boss’ boss drives a Mercedes SL500 roadster. It’s beautiful. Sexy. And your coworkers fawn over it. Too bad it’s so slow.
For about $32,000, you can buy a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX and smoke that stuffed shirt.
But there’s more to owning an Evo than embarrassing high-end German cars.
It’s about a completely unfiltered driving experience that sucks you in and never lets you go. Every shift of the five-speed gearbox feels like you’re hand-feeding torque to all four wheels. Every hard turn feels like you have three friends, Suspension, Steering and Brakes, and they’re telling you all their secrets. And every second you spend in the Recaro seats? That’s a lasting embrace from the one that got away.
Victory came easily to the Evo in this test. It posted better numbers than Subaru’s WRX STI at the track, which counted for 30 percent of the final score. It also earned slightly higher scores on editors’ evaluations. It’s the car we wanted to drive. And it’s the car we think you should drive.
VIII to IX
Even though the Evo isn’t fully revamped for 2006, Mitsubishi is calling it the Evolution IX. Compared to last year’s Evo VIII, cosmetic differences are minor — the split grille is dropped, the headlight lenses are smoked and the front inlets are reshaped.
The real changes are under the skin. Thanks to the installation of a larger turbocharger and variable intake valve timing (Mitsubishi’s MIVEC), the IX makes 10 more hp and 3 more lb-ft of torque than last year’s car. Total yield is 286 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
While the output difference is small, the ‘06 upgrades minimize off-the-line lag and flatten the torque curve, which allowed Mitsu engineers to tighten up the five-speed manual’s gear ratios. Now the Evo responds immediately to throttle input, gathering itself up in a wave of euphoria unknown to other cars, including the STI. When you hear the turbocharger spool up, you know you’re going to the 7,000-rpm redline whether you like it or not.
Under five
Trust us, you’ll like it. The 2.0-liter engine is smooth all the way up and, basically, there’s never less than 250 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 6,000 rpm.
We got a 4.9-second 0-to-60-mph and a 13.3 quarter-mile at 103 mph out of our silver IX. Fast? You bet. In fact, there isn’t a faster car in this price range. However, we were only able to get these numbers by defeating the Evo’s 5,500-rpm launch limiter, which is active when the car is stationary and the clutch pedal is all the way in. Try this on your personal Evo and you risk voiding the warranty if something goes wrong.
If the six-speed Evolution MR is too much of a financial reach, we doubt you’ll be disappointed with the IX model’s five-speed gearbox. Five-speed Evos actually get better fuel economy — 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway compared to 18/24 with the six-speed. Our tester averaged 20.5 mpg. Pretty good for a performance car, though we never got more than 280 miles on the car’s small 14-gallon tank.
Gearing is perfectly matched to the engine’s power band with the five-speed, and the shifter moves through the gates with precision. One editor said he was more susceptible to missing a shift in the Evo than in the STI. We’re guessing that’s because things happen faster in the Mitsu, increasing the chance of driver error.
So much grip, so much feedback
If you want to fall in love with an Evo, take it to the curviest road you can find and make about 20 laps.
It’s not just about how quick the steering is, how deftly the suspension manages changing loads, or how well those differentials stir up the power when you’re exiting corners, although these traits will undoubtedly impress you. This car talks to you. You feel it reaching out to you through the steering wheel, the driver seat and the pedals, and you do what it tells you. You feel like a pro.
In the hands of a real pro, the Evo is capable of exceptional numbers. It ran through the slalom at 70.7 mph, 2.5 mph faster than the WRX STI and only 1 mph slower than the featherweight Lotus Elise.
On the skid pad, it managed 0.93g, tying with the Subaru. The Evo exhibited more body roll than the STI but was easier to rotate.
It was also easier to rotate off-throttle on public roads, a nice reward for skilled drivers. Yet, the Evo’s not too hot for less experienced drivers to handle. Should you make a mistake, it’s no more likely to bite than the STI.
The brakes offer as much feedback as any other part of the Evo, though pedal feel is softer than the STI’s and the antilock brake system makes more noise. Our test car’s best 60-0 stopping distance was 115.8 feet. The Subie’s best was 114.5 feet.
Usually, we left the Evo’s Active Center Differential (ACD) on the “Tarmac” setting, but one day it rained so we tried out “Gravel” mode. This pretty much gives your Evo the ability to scale water-logged mountain roads as if they were dry. Credit goes to the 235/45R17 Yokohama Advan A046 tires, too, which have a big appetite for asphalt, wet or dry. Also useful for foul-weather rallying is the Evolution’s standard rear window wiper.
Daily commutes revealed the one downside to the Evo’s handling-biased hardware: ride quality. It’s firm, firmer than the STI’s. Not unbearable, mind you, but not relaxing.
Not so many extras
With so much performance packed into a $35K car, there’s a price to be paid somewhere and that somewhere is inside the Lancer Evolution.
Our leather-upholstered test car wasn’t exactly bare bones, but we could see the Evo’s economy-car roots through its average materials, outdated audio controls and lack of side airbags. We could hear them, too, as the hard-revving engine caused various trim panels to vibrate and buzz.
But Mitsubishi takes care of the driver. The Evo’s standard Recaro seats force you to assume a proper driving position. Vital controls are all within finger’s reach. A tachometer, the only meter you really need to see on a twisty road, is in the center of the gauge pack.
The speedometer, however, is off to the side. It’s easily blocked by the steering wheel and should be larger.
Storage space is surprisingly adequate for a performance car. The center console will hold your cell phone and the door bins can take a few CD cases. You can even put two large coffees in the cupholders without impeding access to the shifter. That is, assuming you don’t mind wearing Arabian Mocha Java on your shirt every time the tires sniff out an expansion joint.
Should you have passengers to put in the backseat, the Evo offers more legroom than the STI, though the low, squishy bench isn’t exactly welcoming to adults. Trunk capacity is a passable 10.2 cubic feet, but our test car’s optional subwoofer ate up about an eighth of that.
Single purpose
It’s not the least bit luxurious and only true enthusiasts will respect you for driving it. But if ultimate performance is what you crave, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is the car to have.
Just don’t blow by that SL roadster. Old man needs the illusion.
Second Place: 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Last time we tested Subaru’s WRX STI, we let it loose against a Pontiac GTO. It was no contest: The STI was just as fast as the 400-horsepower GTO and it mopped up in the handling and braking tests. Plus, author Ed Hellwig said, “It’s as raw a performance car as you’re going to find in a showroom. It tosses subtlety out the window in favor of maximum performance at all costs.”
Not bad for a $33,000 car. However, get it alongside Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution and the STI isn’t quite as remarkable. Its throttle response is slower, its steering isn’t as sharp, and its suspension isn’t as tightly controlled. You can have almost as much fun with the Subaru on back roads, but when you’re up against an Evo, “almost” means 2nd place.
Trying to close the gap
Subaru sells more WRXs than Mitsubishi does Evolutions, but the STI has never quite equaled the Evo’s performance. So for the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, company engineers did some work on the STI’s drivetrain and chassis.
They fitted the STI’s DCCD all-wheel-drive system with a new steering angle sensor and mechanical differential, and reset the default front/rear torque split to 41/59 from last year’s 35/65. The result, says Subaru, is a greater range of power distribution among the wheels, which improves the car’s balance in hard cornering situations. Additional help comes from the suspension, which rides one-eighth-inch lower for ‘06 and uses stronger inverted struts.
Company designers are trying out yet another styling language on the Impreza, and the ‘06 STI gets the face of an adolescent Alfa Romeo. Last year’s impudent hood scoop has been tamed to regular WRX size.
Not as high-strung
On paper the STI looks like it could be faster than the Evo. Our test cars weighed about the same, and the Subaru generates 14 more hp and 11 more lb-ft of torque from a larger-displacement 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that uses variable valve timing. That comes out to an even 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, coveted numbers for any car in the under-$35,000 bracket.
But we wonder if the STI is really making as much power as Subaru claims. At the test track it took 5.4 seconds to reach 60 mph to the Evo’s 4.9. It began to close the distance by the quarter-mile, though its 13.6-second run was still three-tenths of a second behind the Mitsubishi.
Of course three-tenths of a second isn’t a difference you can really feel from the driver seat, but drive the cars back-to-back and distinct personalities emerge.
The STI has more lag off the line and doesn’t seem to rev as quickly. Going to the 7,000-rpm redline feels like an option, not a necessity as in the Evo. If you take that option, the torque comes spilling out and, said our top test-driver, “it feels and sounds very abusive.” If you don’t, the STI putters along contentedly, saving its performance capabilities for another day.
It’s a similar story with the WRX STI’s six-speed manual gearbox. The shifter smoothly slots between the gates, and the pedal resistance and spacing is perfect for heel-and-toe downshifting. But shifting the six-speed doesn’t provide the positive metal-to-metal sensations that you get with the Evolution’s five-speed.
Fuel economy is slightly worse in the Subaru. It has an 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway rating to the Evo IX’s 19/25. We averaged 18.4 mpg, 2 mpg less than we got in the Evo. At least with the STI’s 15.9-gallon capacity, 300-mile tanks are a little more common.
Corners hard, stops hard…
It may not be as emotional as the Evo, but the WRX STI certainly isn’t soft. Drive the car hard and it delivers. Power flows in torrents through the intricate system of differentials, and the Subaru charges around corners as if its high-grip 225/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE070s will never let go. Body roll is almost nonexistent.
The Subie exploited these strengths on the skid pad, tying with the Evo at 0.93g.
The STI also stops hard. It turned in the shorter braking distance of the two cars, using just 114.5 feet of asphalt to haul down from 60 mph. The Evo stopped in 115.8 feet. Pedal feel is firm and progressive, and ABS operation is quiet and refined.
…But needs fine-tuning
Tight body control and strong brakes won the STI some points, but ultimately its dynamics fell short of the Mitsu’s finely honed package.
In the slalom it wasn’t as easy to predict or control amid changes in throttle position, and its slower steering ratio made for more work. The result was an average speed of 68.1 mph, a great number in most circumstances but 2.5 mph slower than the Evo in this test.
We also noted that the STI didn’t offer as much feedback during brisk runs on mountain roads. That might not be a big deal to the casual driver, but when you’re pushing hard, you’re not as in-tune with where the car’s limits are. “Compared to the Evo, it feels like it’s hiding something,” said one driver.
Additionally, in tighter turns, we sometimes observed a crude kickback through the STI’s steering wheel.
Everyday ease
In exchange for its reduced capabilities, Subaru’s WRX STI offers a little extra comfort.
Although its suspension can be a bit harsher over bumps than the Evo’s, it’s much more forgiving on the highway, making the STI the more tolerable road trip companion.
The car’s non-Recaro front seats don’t hold you as snugly through turns, but they allow freer range of movement, which makes a difference on long drives. There’s also the matter of cruise control: The STI has it and it’s a nice convenience.
Well furnished
You don’t expect to live lavishly in a hard-core performance car with a low price tag, but the Subaru’s cockpit is warm and inviting compared with the Evo’s no-frills digs.
It offers more legible instrumentation, larger controls and better-quality materials overall, save for the cardboard headliner. Everything felt solidly screwed together in our tester, though a few of the dash panels were slightly misaligned.
A long equipment list is another of the STI’s advantages. Side airbags are standard, as are extras like automatic climate control and an in-dash CD changer. The STI’s Driver Controlled Center Differential defaults into “auto” mode, but a thumbwheel on the console allows you to manually adjust the constraints on power flow through the center diff. There’s also a manual leveling knob for the HID headlights. The only thing missing on the STI is retained accessory power.
Tall rear passengers will likely complain about the scant legroom in the backseat, though the bench itself is more supportive than the Evo’s. Storage space should be adequate for most buyers, and as in the Mitsu, you can put a pair of hot drinks in the console cupholders without blocking the driver’s access to the shifter. Despite the Subaru’s slightly more relaxed demeanor in traffic, tongue-burning risk remains high.
Trunk capacity measures 11 cubic feet, all of it usable in our test car, which didn’t have the optional subwoofer. In fact, this is as functional a luggage hold as you’re going to find in the performance-car world.
Evo lust
Even after another round of upgrades, the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI comes up slightly undercooked whenever the Evo is in town. Or at the same test track. Or lurking on the same back roads.
That doesn’t mean you won’t like it. This is a serious performance car with a turbocharged brute of an engine and scary grip through the turns. Yet, you can drive it to work in relative comfort.
And as good as the Evo is, if you measure your commute in hours, not minutes, you might prefer to spend it with Subaru’s STI.
By Erin Riches
Source: Edmunds.Com
Technorati Tags: Subaru Impreza WRX STi, MY06, Comparison, subaru, impreza, subaru impreza, lancer, evo, evolution, mitsubishi, mitsubishi lancer evolution, comparison, wrx, sti, impreza sti, evo 9, lancer evo 9, impreza vs lancer, sti vs evo
- Posted in : Articles, Comparisons, Road Tests, STi vs Evo
- Author : admin
I’ve heard alot about the Evo over powering the Sti. If you were to consider upgrades being a 2.0 to 2.5 would the Sti be more accepting to more power over the Evo? The test you run is stock what if you set a budget of let’s say $5,000. Do you still think the Evo would prevail over the Sti? I’m debating wheather to buy the Evo or Sti so I’m gathering as much info as possible.
Thanks
Dante
I am in the same boat… I have a Mec C32AMG and looking for another Fun car to beef up and make it a screamer. Done a lot of comparisons and am waiting for the Evo X to come out. Looks cool over 300 ponies and has some class as well..
Couple small mods to that and your looking at 400hp and high 11’s in the 1/4.
My C32AMG can’t touch that!!
the evo x is a far cry from the evo 9 believe only a tiptonic type auto tranny is in her vs the 5 or 6 speed. The STI is a better driver and the EVO gets all the hype really matters on who has the best lauch in the quarter. The STI is more tossable and more fun to drive at limits.
Wel 2 answer tht question of urs i suggest tht if u r wanting a subaru 2 giv it a lot more tourque and overdrive than the evo, you could add a performance kit for around $5500 dollars which would include;
- Perrin “Big” MAF Intake
- MadDad Velocity Header
- MadDad V2 Downpipe
- MadDad 3rd Cat Eliminator
- Borla Twin Tip “Hush” Exhaust
- Larger Top Mount Intercooler
- Deadbolt 18G Turbocharger
- Walbro Fuel Pump
- RC 750cc Fuel Injectors
This would increase the overall power behind the subaru from 241bhp to around 399bhp if u have any more questions dont hesitate to email me.
The STI is way better
the sti is a way better one it has more componets than the evo and good componets is what builds the car but i still stick with my theory its about 10 percent the car 90 percent the driver. its all about perfrence and how adjustable and tunable the car is. but thats just me. so i look at like this the sti will have the evo but a hooked up sti vs. the evo mr who would win?
like i said aftermarket parts will beat a car that is still running factory componets.
evo ix is faster and responds to modifications very well. $1,200 = 400+hp
Mike where did you get 1,200 for 400 hp from can you send me a link to the part?
There is a lot more than can be said in a short review.
The STI, for example has closer gearing. You have to shift twice to get to 60, and 4 times in the 1/4. It makes acceleration more even, but totally nukes the 0-60 time.
ok evos are overated junk that the sti with few upgrades will still whoop the evo X1 with the same upgrades plus the the evo cheaps out with its interior you said it yourself that they were cheap and rattling apart the hole rating is biased and nomatter wut people will go into a test chosing theyll have a preconseption of wut they like so just the fact that the evos weigh more have cheap interior parts also less horsepower makes me chos the subaru with minor upgrades the car suspension would tear mits pressious junk to peices
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA dip sh!t i drove my friends sti and it feels like shit in there and the engine feels weak. now come back when you actually get a car.
^^ Er, ok dude. I think this article is VERY fair in representing BOTH vehicles with their respective strengths and weaknesses. It also did a good job of outlining them and further explaining each. If you don’t like the PROVEN facts, too bad. This isn’t the first road test for the cars. Each have their own numbers, of course, but the end results have always been the same.
As for modding, it’s a WELL known fact in either community (Subaru’s and Mitsu’s) that the Mitsubishi’s are EASIER and CHEAPER to modify. That is also a FACT. Don’t believe me? Check out the forums and start reading.
The numbers are close enough that they shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor in which you get. It comes down to personal preference. Evo’s are just more ‘hardcore’ out of the two, as far as performance is concerned. The STi’s perform amazingly well too, BUT, they have less performance for a bit more luxury and comfort.
End of discussion.
i’ve raced and beat evo 9s, so your an idiot. Motor Trend rates the sti faster than the evo, and It is. The sti also makes more horsepower on substantially less boost. If you put the same turbo upgrade on both cars, say a gt35, the sti will destroy the evo. I’ve seen it done. Oh and answer me this, watch the video posted on this blog of the 2 evos vs the 2 stis and tell me that evos are faster when they both loose even though they start the race in front. IDIOT. STI 4 LIFE. Just accept the facts and quit banking on biased false results.
who was driving the sti??? 5.4 quarter mile??? you must be kiding it runs a 4.6 with ease completely stock. whoever was driving the sti must have just been learning how to drive a stick.
Thats true, subaru claims 4.6 0-60 time. And even if the evo is slightly faster, and I do mean VERRRRY slightly, it still whoops on most every other car on the road. BUT… picture this: Add a cat-back exhaust, cold air intake, have the turbo tuned, with a wastegate added, and you can turn that STI, into an evo slaughtering machine, with TWICE the comfort.
The STi is the smarter choice if the above is considered. Stock, evo is better, but with slight modification, nothing matches that STi.
Why is it always the STI guys talking trash about modifying my STI and I will beat you? There has been 2 attempts to have a Subby vs DSM challenge in my home town and the only cars that show up are the DSM’s. I have friends with both cars and I perfer the Evo. My Evo dyno’ed higher than my friends’ STI stock also. The STI got 247 and I was at 253. Not bad for having 30 less horsepower. I have driven both cars, stock and highly modified GT35R STI”s. I have a GT37R in my Evo which kills my friend’s GT35 STI without question. The STI is a lot nicer on the inside but it doesn’t respond well to mods as you guys are claming. Quit crying about the STI being in second place and go beat some American “muscle” cars. They are closely matched cars, have fun with them and drive hard.
I have an 06 white STI, and I just run against the EVO 9 lastnight, just put is this way , the evo have a two step and it can only launch it at 5k and if whoever test drive the evo 9 will know what happen. It not even a launch!. On the other hand, from owning the sti for about six months I have master the launch on my 06sti, from 5k-5.5k and slip the clutcha little,3car lenght when I shift to 2nd. I’m sure you know the result on the 1/4. So I don’t know who was doing the test on the sti, they must go back to driving school. look at motortrend test result or contact me . 0-60 at 4.5.
Bennie…dude, what are you talking about? Before you start blabbing about facts you clearly know nothing about, do a LITTLE research. Mod vs. mod, Evo’s beat the STi. Every time. Hands down. No competition.
A STOCK Evo IX dynos between 260-270AWHP. With $1,200-$1,300 invested (TBE, MBC and Flash) a Evo IX puts down 330whp and runs a 12.0 flat.
You can’t even TOUCH that with an STi.
As I said before above (May 5th post)…the STi’s have a better, more comfortable ride. They also have a more refined interior. They ARE amazing machines, I’m not saying they aren’t. But an Evo WILL outhandle and outperform them. Those are simply the facts.
Whats funny is that the ONLY reason the Evo outhandles the STi (STOCK) is because of suspension issues. swaybars, coilovers, slight tune and done. STi wins at the track & mountain roads, thats what? $1,000-1,500?. As for the 1/4 mile all it takes is a “Zero sports” intake or “APS Performance” cold air intake. I raced a Evo IX w/Invidia race TBE, Apex’i power intake, HKS ssq (which serves no purpose other than sound, low idle, and best of all running rich.), tanabe springs, stripped trunk w/no spare and no jack down a small street. All i had on my 06′ STi was the Zero/sports intake other than that STOCK! After 2 runs and me being half a car length the 1st race slipping the clutch @ 4K &1 full car length the 2nd race semi-dropping the clutch @ 5K.If you STi owners really want to whoop and Evo’s a$$ get a TBE I spent… $350 for my intake.Evo owner spent :TBE-$800-$1,000 + race pipe- $125, springs- $125 each, SSQ- $250, intake- $225.
-STi Total - $350
-Evo IX Total - $2,000
Who wins? STi
haha STi owners in denial makes me laugh
Evo>STi in performence.. but sti has a bit more of luxury(pfft who needs luxury when you could turn so tightly)
like the guy above me said.
dodge viper all da way
both car are really close on performance. it depened on the driver . if you put 1,500 on each car they still close. just replash the ecu $350, intake $250, no cat with electric exhaust cut off valve $350 ,manual boost controler $75, with 93 or 100 octane . I run low 12 too. the only good about the evo9 is the size of the turbo.
Vanson…again, I challenge you to do some research. Even the VIII’s compared to the IX’s come up short. Arguably, the biggest contributor to the performance gains is the larger stock turbo. However, there’s also the MIVEC head along with other tweaks here and there.
The same 1,200-1,300 in mods will net (typically) 30whp MORE on the Evo IX than the VIII. And again, mod for mod, an Evo (especially a IX) will beat the STi. Stock vs. stock, the VIII and the STi are VERY close. It’s more a matter of preference, ride style and driving. Stock for stock, the STi vs. the IX…the IX beats out the VIII AND the STi.
If you aren’t into modifying your car, it should certainly be a matter of preference. I know I sound very biased towards the Evo…but I used to be a BLIND Scooby enthusiast. Until a good friend of mine challenged me to LEARN and RESEARCH the facts, I flat out said “STi’s > *”. After taking the time to read, research, etc. I learned that this was NOT the case.
If you are into track/road/auto cross racing, and would like to do some engine mods, the Evo IX is the way to go. If you want an overall nice, fast, great handling daily driver/commuter, get the STi. That would be my opinion.
I think that I would rather get the STi. With that kind of performance, I wouldnt even bother with mods. You will already own 99.9% of the cars on the road right when you roll if off the lot, so why even both? Plus I wouldnt mind sacrificing a wee bit of power compared to the Evo9 for a more luxerious vehical.
The EVO due to it’s manufacturer’s past records of denial of warranty claims makes one wonder to pay 35 k plus for it if they plan to mod, especially heavily. Subaru dealers in the US tend to be more mod friendly, the Subbie is better built…. but harder to work on due to engine layout. Bottomline a Cobb accesport STG2 download for the 06-07 STI with a catless cobb downpipe in the real world will smoke an EVO 9 or even an MR, light to light and the STI stops better, My friend has tested this tried and true with these simple 1,400 worth of mods, and the dealer has no qualms about the warranty as he has it service by them for what reason I haven’t a clue. Yes the EVO is a better handler due to suspension tweaks and longer wheelbase at limits….but the STI is more fun to drive at limits, more tossable with strong under pinnings for off road…I implore you to go underneath both chariots to find this out the STI is way simpler and a better desig, whereas the EVO has all kinds of external reinforcement bars because it is basically a Lancer ..the evo MR does have nicer seats though and you pay for them. Keep in mind either path to check on insurance rates for these. I looked at both halo cars from both mfgs… Both are one of a kind and the EVO is an excellent choice….but have seen too much drama from its manufacturer…..
I ended up hooking up with the 2.0 liter 05 base WRX, have it now for 3 years with zero issues, now with a Cobb stage 1 with catless upipe, perrin panel filter, forge recirculating blowoff valve, samco hoses, guages, with stock turbo. I beat new mustangs all day long…..and had no problem beating the neighbors wrx limited 2.5 06 model with the SPT intake due to my car having higher revs and a bit more wheel hp with mods and 55 pounds lighter due to his having the sun roof and the heavier stock wheels. Next mods are down pipe with race cat and mid pipe with stock STI axle back muffler… Bottomline for the rant here… I into this thing for 27 k with mods, and it is a more comfy daily driver costing 700 bucks for 6 months worth of full car insurance, better gas mileage….hell my ego is in the bank, maybe some of you all should consider this path instead….still getting thumbs up from all STI owners…and a few EVO heads. With all saved on all ends, a VF34 or a 39 might just nicely mate up with the downpipe.
my sti outruns the evo 7 everytime anywhere all the time the gear box ratios are shorter plus you get to do drifting on the new model . i think its down to the driverr at the end of the day.
Dudes - I could whip both of these cars with my 2006 Shelby Mustang. Get a life - get American!
its about time somebody gos for a real mans car. im with u there. lol. 07 corvete Z06 is something that nobody can talk shit about unless thier haters!!!!!! lol
fak all amerikan cars
Luke - That’s a perfect example of preference, and what it comes down to. Preference.
Barry - We’re talking about the 06 STi vs. the Evo IX. The Evo VIII gets roasted by the IX stock for stock (roasted might be a strong word, but the improvements are definitely noticeable). Perhaps with your two vehicles, it is a drivers race, which is fine, but in the case of a USDM Evo IX vs. STi…the Evo IX will beat the STi in the twisties and in a straight line.
As already mentioned, the STi is often referred to as more ‘refined’ and comfortable. A good daily driver with exceptional handling and power. I’m NOT down playing the STi. It, too, is an amazing car. I’d love to own one. But, when you look at the facts, it’s clear what the reality of the situation is. The Evo IX has changed the game.
Anonymous - get with the program! Shelby’s rule! I will take on all EVO and WRX sti pretenders to the thrown…..lets go!
Carrol - You’re what’s known as a troll. So I will continue to ignore you. =) Have a good weekend with your Shelby.
Oh my - flashy comeback! Did you think of that yourself, or, did your Mom help you? Hey - next time you see any Mustang anywhere, you be thinking of me, and, you’ll be the Horse’s behind!
LOL are you kidding me i used to smoke mustang 5.0 with a 93 toyota MR2 turbo. mustangs cant hang with shit.
I would like to catch your “Mustang”, anywhere… The new STI, rules…
Humm…. wouldn’t want that sti to be Rui-end!
Rui-end? wow now that was cool U want ice for that burn? no seriously a mustang oo wow u got 500 horses? cool or maybe your a big man trying to compensate for sumtin.. and you got 600 horses haha juss on problem ur stang only weighs a million pounds and face it you brag about how well your american cars can tow and how much horses you got and if you crash in a ricer we are dead but your steel muscle cars could dent the earth so oo your stang can crash better and oo u can go on a straight line im an evo and Rx8 owner myself not a fan of the STI but that one coment on how ur stang could take a STI and an Evo i will get my EVO IX and find someone with an STI and we will have ourselves a good old race just hope you dun run out of gas before you get here..peace
Wow, how hell did a third grader afford an RX-8 and an Evo? I’m assuming that you’re a third grader, based on your complete lack of written communication skills. You should sell your cars and invest in education.
hey souped up…….go see tokyo drift and come back and tell me about mustangs vs your rice burners.
Haha…wow. Aside from being entertaining, these comments have also gone rather OFF topic. Can we return to the subject at hand, before this is closed down?
P.S. Technically, it wasn’t a Mustang. It was a shell with what looked like an RB25DET (which apparently came from an S15 Silvia. I have to look into it again, of course, but it did confuse be a bit…considering the SR20DET the S15 would have come with is a more than capable engine/platform for decently big numbers. Unless that was attempting to imply even BIGGER numbers, but somehow I doubt it). Ahem, anyway. Back on topic? =D
Um carrol yah I did see tokyo drift and u juss made urself look stupid well stupider that was a Stang BODY the engine was pure ricer so yah and besdies its a moive! in a moive the director could tell a porsche to lose to a civic so yah dont base the almighty stang on a fictional moive and good point “Anonymous” back on topic.. test drove both and i even own an Evo Br 330 couldnt quite afford to ship the FQ over to the US but i anit complaining that car has gotten me in enough trouble and for those speed happy drivers like me i sugest you buy the Valentine One radar dector to get the coppers off ur tail and ur insuance company happy=P..peace oo Fyi carrol changing names like Rui-end and souped isnt funny its kinda wierd laterz carrol or should i say carrot.. see its dumb
oo random but to answer ur ? “anonymous” the engine was from the Silvia but i saw a behind the scences on the tokyo drfit moive its on the “inside line” and its an attached file like on the side of the homepage n ok to the point the engine is a transplant from a Nissan GT-R Skyline yup tat one lucky stang to get that kind of engine so hope tat helps..peace
I knew it was from a Skyline…but it looked like an RB25DET out of an R33 GTS-T. The R34 GT-R RB26DETTs have different valve covers and a second turbo. Either I failed to see the second turbo on the motor, it was converted to a single or it’s an RB25. I’ll have to look it up for sure. - My point with that, however, was that it’s SO rice, they can’t even appreciate the SR20DET (Black top, VVT) that comes with the damn S15. Those are very capable motors. I thought it was amusing. It makes sense for USDM KA24DE 240sxs to receive SR or RB swaps, but a car with the best SR…c’mon!
If you don’t mind me asking, how much more was the BR 330 over the GSR? I was looking at the 330’s and 350’s for a while. VERY tempting, considering it’s a ‘factory’ package out the door, and thus, warrantied. I know BR does great work, so there’d be no question about the quality/reliability.
the Br 330 is a very fast car and the best thing over the regualr evo i mean all regular evos the RS MR and IX and VIII if you ever driven one you know its a bit to handle off the line becuase of the AWD and the turbo lag that kicks in around 2500 Rpms in the br 330 theres still a bit of power control off the line but the 5500 rpm launch limiter is taken off and the turbo lag is way I mean WAY less.. price i got my br 330 for about 37k i was able to hagle my way out of the 5k mark up but its worth the money and srry if you live in california i think glendale was the only place they sold it and i got the last one there.. srry i cant tell you more about the Br 350 becuz i havent got my hands on one but honestly if you have the money i really really recomend the Evo VIII FQ400 is about 45 euros and about another couple thou to transfer the drivers postion but SO worth it hope that helps..peace
LOL if we are comparing the top-level models let’s compare the Evo FQ400 to the Shelby GT500. FQ400 > All Mustangs ever made in every category…
As we the 2007 models are right around the corner. I have yet to see a real EVO X which I estimate will be released in 2007 as opposed to subaru who will more than like have 2007’s on sale in July/August. I have a stage 2 WRX I love the sound and the power is very nice. I am looking for a autox car at this point I think the the EVO RS may be the way to go. No abs makes me worry about flat spots tho. The sti really grunts on an autox course, if there was lag, I didnt notice. Interesting that the IX is supposed to have more grunt now…. hmmm. I dont think the RS or MR or the Sti have much chance against an S2000 on the autox course. I have run 14’s in the quarter for a long time 13’s yes, 14’s no…….
wow carol u were right!!! the sti and evo(which i prefer) are dogs compared to the shelby. that car is amazing i test drove one the other day. i feel like such a fool. guys, definately go with a shelby mustang over both of these cars
hi guys , please give me some advice
i am comparing 2-3 cars
this is what i am looking for ( i will be driving a lot ) i mean 50,000 miles per year ( soo next 4 years ) i will put 200,000 miles in my car . i am looking for a tuff car . right now i am driving C320 benz , i love the car - but car is costing me soo much money ( getting fixed , repaired , maintence , there is always something ) , i am a ruff driver soo i want something ( a car ) wouldnt take me to the shop everyday .
i would prefer to have 4 door and all wheel drive ( i was thinking about getting G35 couple ) but nah . . .
right now i am serious about 2006 WRX STI vs Evo MR ?
help me decide
car has to be really fast ( of-course )
has to be strong , high performence , low trouble
i dont wanna spends millions on repiar or fixing little things
Get the STi. Much smoother ride stock with gobs of power still. You’d be better off with the comfort of the interior over the Evo for all that driving. =)
hey abhi suri dont bye any of those cars go with the mustand shelby gt 500 trust me
hey abhi suri dont bye any of those cars go with the mustand shelby gt 500 trust me
Get the MR
get the mr my butt both of these cars S-U-C-K how can i make this more clear. Aight we all clear get a life and go with a MUSTANG shelby would be best but any mustang is faster than any evo or sti
by the way thanx for being a real man and admitting u were wrong suped up rx8 i appreciate it and except ur appology for arguing with me
Carrol…why don’t you throw up some links comparing the STi/Evo to your beloved Mustang? That way, we can have an intelligent discussion, like we were before you came along. Ranting and raving about some car that’s not even a part of the article/discussion/comparison without supporting facts, or the ability to write complete sentences, spell and use proper grammar hardly helps your position, or the discussion here.
I’d be happy to actually DISCUSS it if you’d like. Until then, I think the Evolution vs. STi debate is pretty much done.
If you have to get an Evolution, but want a smoother ride (and don’t mind paying a bit extra), get the MR. A bit softer setup. If you aren’t sure, drive a lot, like a bit more refinement and comfort, get the STi. If you want something a little more aggressive on the street, and perhaps a weekend warrior, get the GSX. If you want something all out race/hardcore, get the RS.
differences between evo and subaru… same stuff yet drive so differently…
because of the mitsu’s super ayc “active yaw control” the mitsu stay’s in fwd mode and sends 100 % of the power to the front wheels in straight line acceleration. the subaru goes into something like 30 front and 70 rear… (this is setting the sti’s adjustable differential to automatic) also with the ayc the mitsu can even go into 1 wheel drive which makes the turn sharper… the sti can oversteer with more hp can go into an awd slide n heck.. feel alot better. (not saying you can’t do this in an evo but its easier to do in an sti)
so as far as handling and acceleration its all a matter of preferance
personally i like the interior of an sti but i perfer the looks of the mitsu. i like the sound of the sti but i like how the mitsu drives… i guess u can’t have the best of both worlds thats why subaru and mitsu make u choose between one or the other.
rwd cars are sick as hell but u really can’t compare them to awd cars because they are different. as similar as the evo and sti are they behave very differently. the shelby is a nice ride, very retro, but i’d get a zo6 =)
as for the evo and sti… i’d get an evo MR
Exactly! It’s like the boxter vs s2000. I’d rather be seen in a porshce but i’d rather drive the honda! Same with the shelby, man that is a car that makes alot of noise and w/ that supercharger… and i’d rather be seen in that… but the vette… i’d rather be driving that.
Couldn’t agree more. The EVO is a better car to drive and the interior makes you feel cheap. I’m sure you could upgrade the scooby’s sound system to pwn the evo’s.
I’ve driven both cars and i’d get the sti (sorry dude)
Can the “ayc” be applied to any awd car or is this just something used in mitsubishi’s?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk_xxPyF8TM&search=lancer%20evolution
evo power sliding bud
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asNtG4jyhAM&search=lancer%20evo
evo vs lambo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCqY7oPlTpc&search=lancer%20evo